Course Details

Course Code(s):
MAPUADTFAD/MAPUADTPAD
Available:
Part-Time
Full-Time
Intake:
Autumn/Fall
Course Start Date:
September
Duration:
1 Year Full-Time / 2 Years Part-Time
Faculty: Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Course Type: Taught, Professional/Flexible
Fees: For Information on Fees, see section below.

Contact(s):

Name: Dr Bernadette Connaughton
Email: Bernadette.Connaughton@ul.ie Telephone: 353-61-202792
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Brief Description

Public administration shapes how decisions are made and how services are delivered for communities and citizens.  

UL’s Master of Arts (MA) or Graduate Diploma in Public Administration gives you the knowledge and practical skills to succeed in that environment. 

Throughout the programme, you will explore public administration, economics, law, organisational behaviour and policy analysis, while developing strong analytical and research skills for real-world application. 

It equips students with a comprehensive knowledge of the nature, role and development of the public sector, and an awareness of public service values.   

You can complete the MA in Public Administration in one year full-time or two years part-time, depending on your schedule and career goals. 

If you prefer a shorter commitment, you can exit early with a Graduate Diploma in Public Administration after successfully completing 60 ECTS credits on either route. 

The course prepares students for a wide range of future careers and activities and is particularly suited to those hoping to pursue a career in public management and policy making. 

During this programme, you will:  

  • Gain practical analytical and professional skills for roles in public management and policy. 

  • Build a strong foundation across public administration, economics, law and organisational behaviour. 

  • Learn how to appraise and use evidence to improve public outcomes. 

  • Develop applied research skills and complete an individual dissertation project. 

Key Information: 

  • Complete full-time in one year or part-time over two years 

  • Delivered on campus 

  • Modules taught during autumn and spring semesters 

  • Submit a dissertation at the end of the final semester (full‑time: end of summer; part‑time: end of year 2 summer) 

  • Option to exit with Graduate Diploma (after 2 semesters, 60 ECTS) 

You will learn through a blend of:  

  • Lectures, workshops, and hands-on activities  

  • Reflective practice and guided research  

  • Regular feedback from faculty and peers 

Part-time considerations: 

  • Designed for working professionals 

  • Evening or recorded lectures 

  • Additional prep and group work time 

  • Timetable provided after registration 

Full-time  

Autumn Semester  

Spring Semester 

  • Administrative Law (LA4042) will provide students with the mechanisms to test whether any decisions or actions taken by government or governmental agencies are lawful. 

Summer Semester 

  • Dissertation (PS5102) will require a student to execute a piece of original research on a topic chosen by the student. 

Part-time Year 1 

Autumn Semester  

Spring Semester 

  • Administrative Law (LA4042) will provide students with the mechanisms to test whether any decisions or actions taken by government or governmental agencies are lawful. 

Year 2 

Autumn Semester  

Spring Semester 

Summer Semester 

  • Dissertation (PS5102) will require a student to execute a piece of original research on a topic chosen by the student. 

Books and journal articles needed for the course will be available online through the UL Glucksman Library. 

For more information on each module, you can search the faculty, school and module code on UL’s Book of Modules 

  • Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree (NFQ Level 8) with at least a second-class honour, grade 2 (2:2) in a relevant discipline. 

  • The university may shortlist and invite you to an interview. 

  • If you wish to progress to the MA you must achieve at least a second-class honour, grade 2 (2.2) following completion of the 60 credit taught modules. 

Other Entry Considerations: 

We encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet the standard entry requirements, as long as you can show that you have the knowledge, skills, and experience needed for the programme. 

At UL, we value all kinds of learning and support different ways to qualify through our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy.  

 

International students:  

Checklist of Documents: 

  • *Academic transcripts and certificates
    • UL graduates only need to provide their student ID.
  • Copy of your birth certificate or passport
  • English translation of your qualifications and transcripts
  • Copy of your CV 

English Language: 

Guidelines on Completing your Application  

  • To make sure we can review your application quickly, please:
    • Upload all documents. Your application can’t be reviewed until we have all the documents on the checklist. 
    • Title the documents you are uploading. For example, "Personal Statement", "Undergraduate Transcript", "Postgraduate Transcript", "English Language Certificate" etc. 
  • *If you are waiting to graduate, submit your application with the documents you have to date, you don’t need to have finished final exams before applying. 

EU - Full Time €7,995 - Part Time €4,500 per annum*

Non-EU - Full Time €18,600 - Part Time €9,900 per annum*

* Year 2 fees are subject to change 

Annual fees are billed by semester. Once registered, students may be eligible to apply for a monthly payment plan.  

Further information on fees and payment of fees is available from the Student Fees Office website. All fee related queries should be directed to the Student Fees Office (Phone: +353 61 213 007 or email student.fees.office@ul.ie).  

Funding 

Find further information on funding and scholarships.

This course can lead to the following sectors and careers:  

  • Management role in public agency
  • Management role in non-governmental organisations working with government 

 

Still Curious?  

The team regularly host and take part in webinars to support future students. If you would like to learn more or ask questions at an online information session, click below.     

Online Information Sessions 

Neil O’Brien, Senior Employer Relations and Communications Executive, Ibec 

“I would definitely recommend this programme to others as it really sets you up with a good knowledge base and also increases your employability post-graduation, due to the practical and relevant subjects on offer as part of the programme.”